Bangladesh Issues Arrest Warrant for Sheikh Hasina's Son Over Internet Shutdown During 2024 Protests

Sajeeb Wazed Joy, who currently resides in the United States, faces serious legal challenges in Bangladesh.

Bangladesh's International Crime Tribunal (ICT) issued an arrest warrant on Thursday against Sajeeb Wazed Joy, former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's son. The ICT's order stems from accusations of crimes against humanity, specifically for shutting down internet access during the student-led anti-government demonstrations that occurred in July 2024.

Justice Golam Mortaza headed the ICT-1 that delivered this order, with Justice Md. Shafiul Alam Mahmud and Justice Md. Mohitul Haque Enam Chowdhury serving as additional members. The tribunal also examined allegations against former State Minister for Information Technology Junaid Ahmed Palak related to this case.

In a statement to ANI, Tajul Islam, Chief Prosecutor to the ICT, explained: "An arrest warrant has issued against him (Sajeeb Wazed Joy) for crimes against humanity. He shut down the internet during the protests as a means of repression."

This action follows a Dhaka court's decision on Monday that sentenced former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to 5 years in prison on corruption charges. The court also handed down sentences to Sheikh Rehana, the former Prime Minister's younger sister, who received 7 years imprisonment, and Rehana's daughter, British MP Tulip Siddique, who received a 2-year sentence.

Special Judge Rabiul Alam of Dhaka's Court-4 announced the verdict against Sheikh Hasina in a plot fraud case. The Bangladesh Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) filed six separate cases against Hasina and her family members in January, alleging illegal allocation of government plots in Dhaka's Purbachal area.

In a separate ruling, the ICT previously sentenced former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to death for the killing of students during last year's protests. Both Sheikh Hasina and Joy have dismissed the ICT's trial process, characterizing it as a kangaroo court.

Sheikh Hasina fled to India on August 5 last year during a student-led uprising, while her son Sajeeb Wazed Joy remains in the United States. The interim government under Muhammad Yunus has initiated legal proceedings against Sheikh Hasina and her family members.